Russell Means

Date of Birth: November 10, 1939

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: October 22, 2012

Biography

Russell Means was a prominent Oglala Lakota activist, actor, and writer, known for his leadership in the American Indian Movement (AIM) and his efforts to advocate for the rights of Native American people. Born on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, Means rose to national attention in the early 1970s through his activism and leadership roles in AIM. He was a key figure in the 1973 Wounded Knee incident, where AIM members occupied the town of Wounded Knee, South Dakota, to protest the U.S. government’s policies toward Native Americans. In addition to his activism, Means had a successful career in film and television, appearing in movies such as “The Last of the Mohicans” (1992) and “Natural Born Killers” (1994). He also authored an autobiography, “Where White Men Fear to Tread,” which chronicles his life and activism. Throughout his life, Means was a vocal advocate for indigenous rights and worked tirelessly to bring attention to the struggles and injustices faced by Native American communities.

5 Interesting Facts about Russell Means

1. Russell Means was one of the first Native American actors to gain mainstream recognition in Hollywood.

2. He ran for the office of President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe in 2002.

3. Means was a candidate for the Libertarian Party nomination for President of the United States in 1987.

4. He founded the Republic of Lakotah, a proposed independent nation for Lakota people, in 2007.

5. Means was a skilled painter and musician, releasing several albums of Native American music.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Russell Means

1. “We are people who live in the shadow of the eagle.”

2. “I tell the truth, and people think I’m crazy.”

3. “The only thing I trust less than my own generation is the government.”

4. “In the American Indian Movement, we are spiritual people. We are warriors.”

5. “If you want to understand me, look at Wounded Knee.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, Russell Means’ net worth was estimated to be around $3 million.

Children

Russell Means had ten children: six sons and four daughters. His children have carried on his legacy in various ways, including activism and the arts.